Is there a difference between having an MPT and DPT degree when it comes to licensure or PT practice?
There is absolutely no difference between having an MPT and DPT degree when it comes to applying for licensure or in clinical practice. The California State Board of Physical Therapy issues licenses to practice PT to applicants who have graduated from a CAPTE accredited educational program and who have passed the Licensure Examination. There is no consideration whether the applicant’s degree is an MPT or DPT. Employers are concerned that an applicant holds a current PT license and with the clinical experience of an applicant. Seldom do employers consider degree status (MPT vs. DPT). Will a DPT allow me to be able to teach in a PT program? Over 95% of advertised faculty positions in the past year have listed an academic doctorate (PhD. or EdD or DSc.) as necessary to apply for faculty teaching positions. The DPT is not considered the “terminal” degree in the discipline of physical therapy, and the DPT alone usually does not allow instructors to become traditional tenure-track or tenured
